Nepal General Information
Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and latitudinal variation. The elevation of the country ranges form 70m above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848 m. all within a distance of 150 km with climatic condition ranging form subtropical to arctic. This wild variation fosters an incredible variety of ecosystems, the greatest mountain range on earth, thick tropical jungles teeming with a wealth of wildlife, thundering rivers, forested hills frozen valleys.
Within this spectacular geography is also one of the richest cultural landscapes anywhere. The country is a potpourri of ethic groups and sub-groups who speak over 70 languages and dialects. Nepal offers an astonishing diversity of sightseeing attractions and adventure opportunities fond nowhere else on earth. And you can join in the numerous annual festivals that are celebrated throughout the year in traditional style highlighting enduring customs and beliefs.
Nepal -occuping:
2% of all the flowering plants in the world.
8% of the World’s Populatin of Birds (More than 848 species)
4% of mammals on earth
11 of the world’s 15 families of butterflies (More than 500 species)
600 indigenous plant families
319 species of exotic orchids.
Nepal at a Glance:
Top Area:
147,181 sq. kilometers
Geography:
Situated between China in the north and India in the south
Capital:
Kathmandu
Population:
22 million
Language:
Nepali is the national language. However, travel-trade people understand and speak English as well.
Currency:
Nepali Rupee (approximately US$ 1 equals Rs. 71.24 ) www.nrb.org.np/exchangenew.php
Political System:
Multi-party democracy with constitutional monarchy
Religion:
Nepal enjoys the distinction of being the only Hindu Kingdom in the world. However, there is a harmonious blending of Hinduism and Buddhism.
Climate:
Nepal has four major seasons, namely,
Winter: December-February
Spring: March-May
Summer: June-August
Autumn: September-November
Nepal can be visited the whole year round.
People:
Nepal has more than 61 ethnic groups and 70 spoken languages.
What to Wear:
Lightweight clothing is recommended for May through October. Warm garments are required in October through March. An umbrella or raincoat is a must for the rainy season.
Religion:
Nepal enjoys the distinction of being the only Hindu Kingdom in the world. However, there is a harmonious blending of Hinduism and Buddhism.
Geography:
Nepal, a sovereign independent kingdom, is bounded on the north by the Tibetan Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China, and on the east, south and west by India, The length of the Kingdom is 880km east to west and its breadth varies from 145-241 north-souths. The country can be divided into three main geographical regions.
Nepal, a sovereign independent kingdom, is bounded on the north by the Tibetan Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China, and on the east, south and west by India, The length of the Kingdom is 880km east to west and its breadth varies from 145-241 north-souths. The country can be divided into three main geographical regions.
Himalayan Region:
This region accounts for about 15% of the total land area. The altitude of this region ranges between 4,877m. – 8848m. It includes eight of the 14 highest summits in the world which exceed an altitude of 8,000m including Everest, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Others
Mountain Region:
This region accounts for about 68% of the total land area. It is formed by the Mahabharat range that soars up to 4,877m and the lower Churia range.
Terai Region:
The low- land Terai occupies about 17% of the Total land area of the country
History:
Nepal has always been an independent and sovereign country with glorious history, culture and tradition that date back to time immemorial, before the campaign of national integration was launched by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the Great, the Kathmandu Valley was ruled by the malla kings, whose contributions to art and culture are indeed great and unique, in 1768 Ad, the Shah dynasty ascended the throne of the unified Kingdom. His Majesty king Gyanendra Bir Bigram Shah Dev is the twelth King in the Shah dynasty. The new Democratic Constitution of the Kingdom was promulgated on November 9, 1990. Nepal is one of the founder members of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
People:
Nepal has a population of 23 million people made of different races and ethic groups living in different regions, with diverse culture, languages and dialects, The Gurung and magars live mainly in the west. The Rais, Limbus and Sunwars inhabit the slpes and valley s of the eastern mid hills; the sherpas live in the Himalayan group of the capital valley- kathmandu. There are Tharus, Ydavas, Satars, Rajvanshis and Dhimals in the Terai Region. The Brahmins, Chhetris and Thakuris are generally spread over all parts of the kingdom.
